MARTIN JAHN Czech Republic’s Deputy Prime Minister For The Economy
TURKEY OFFERS THE EU A FUTURE ECONOMIC DYNAMO
	For Europe, it is more advantageous to have a European Turkey than a non-European one. We should therefore appreciate that the European Union's 25 members began accession talks aimed at Turkey's membership in the union.
The historical event happened 42 years after Turkey expressed interest in joining forces with Europe. Boasting a population of 70 million, Turkey is a young and dynamic country with an economy that has an enormous growth potential. A number of foreign investors are already there, and others keep coming. I know from experience that numerous multinationals are developing successfully in Turkey; they value highly that country's proximity to European, Arabian and Asian markets. I am therefore convinced that the country will be a valuable member of the European Union. What are the three main arguments for admitting Turkey? Firstly, the country is already an important trading partner with the EU. Turkey lies at the crossroads of commercial corridors and is a transit point for energy supplies. The second reason concerns geopolitics: Turkey plays an important role in the Middle East and will bring the EU closer to the Islamic world. A Muslim country negotiating membership in the European Union is a symbolic occurrence, reminiscent of Samuel P. Huntington's Clash of Civilizations. The third reason, which is no less important, includes a reduction of security risks, a more effective and unified fight against terrorism and the prevention of conflicts. The first reason suggests that Turkey will present a challenge for the European Union. The country has the necessary potential to bolster the EU's single market and give its economy a positive impulse. Having recovered rapidly from an economic crisis and overcome high unemployment and hyperinflation, Turkey is now capable of meeting the European Union's requirements. Currently one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, Turkey's GDP has been growing in the new century by more than 7 percent annually. Still Turkey remains among the poorest candidate countries; its gross domestic product (GDP) per capita only amounts to 29 percent of the current EU average — in comparison, the Czech Republic's GDP is currently at 72 percent. However, the standard of living in Turkey measured by GDP per capita is similar to those of Bulgaria and Romania. In addition, Turkey's economy has a structure distinctly different from what most of Europe is used to. While the country's agriculture generates no less than 11.5 percent of its GDP, the EU standard is 2 percent. Some are also concerned about the Islam practiced by the vast majority of the country's population and cultural differences, which, however, pose no threat to the Christianity that is prevalent among Europeans. Furthermore, the country's religious institutions are clearly separated from the state. For example, the Turkish minority living and working in Germany has never caused significant problems. A detailed look at the political situation shows that it is in Europe's interest to help Turkey develop a democratic society with strong ties to the West. Escalation of tensions between Europe and Turkey would be bad news. When the European Union announced in December 1999 that Turkey had become a membership candidate, it gave a clear signal that it was taking the country seriously. Likewise, Ankara decided to respond to Europe's demands and has engaged in fundamental political and economic reforms. Turkey is therefore surprised to see itself losing credibility and sympathy in the eyes of Europeans. Now, after negotiations with Turkey have begun, Europe should avoid unnecessary obstructions and keep advancing the accession process and, more importantly, ensure that it has a successful conclusion. The progress of accession talks and the requirements for implementing strict European standards into Turkish legislation will help the country advance, not only in the area of economic reforms, but also with respect to the effectiveness of the judiciary and the observance of human rights. The third reason - security - is closely related to the concept under which the EU was created in the first place. It is important for Europe to exist alongside a stable partner with a strong military, Islam notwithstanding. We should not forget that Turkey has already been a valued NATO member for some time now. The country plays an important role in the democratization process in the Near and Middle East. It has the potential to become a moving force behind democratic reforms, economic development and ethnic and religious tolerance. Turkey is an example of a partnership between democracy and the Islamic tradition. In the short term, Turkey will cost Europe some money. The investment, however, is certain to yield multiple benefits in the long term - not only better economic conditions, but also increased security and improved living standards throughout Europe. That is why we support Turkey's accession to the European Union; the country will be a very beneficial and valuable partner. The willingness of the EU's political representation to accept the Turkish people as European citizens will test the viability of the project of a united Europe and the successful continuation of European integration in the future.